Grilled Chicken Parmesan from True Food Kitchen features tender grilled chicken breasts topped with melted mozzarella and parmesan cheeses, savory marinara sauce, and fresh basil, served over a bed of al dente spaghetti for a wholesome and flavorful Italian-inspired dish.
Equipments
- Grill or grill pan
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Meat mallet or tenderizer
- Mixing bowls
- Tongs
- Saucepan
- Spoon or ladle
- Cheese grater
- Baking sheet or oven-safe dish
- Oven or broiler
- Pot for boiling pasta
- Colander
- Serving plates
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt
- Black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 8 oz (225g) spaghetti
- Fresh basil leaves
Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for even cooking and tenderness, and season them well with salt, black pepper, and dried Italian herbs to enhance flavor. Opt for high-quality marinara sauce to achieve an authentic taste, and freshly grated parmesan cheese along with shredded mozzarella ensures rich, melty topping. Make sure spaghetti is cooked al dente to provide the perfect texture beneath the chicken. Fresh basil leaves add a bright, aromatic finish that complements the dish's savory components. Your Grilled Chicken Parmesan from True Food Kitchen copycat menu will delight with its balanced flavors and wholesome ingredients.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Preheat the grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
- Pound chicken breasts to even thickness using a meat mallet.
- Rub chicken with olive oil, salt, black pepper, and dried Italian herbs.
- Grill chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until cooked through.
- While chicken cooks, bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente; drain.
- In a saucepan, heat marinara sauce until warm.
- Transfer grilled chicken to a baking sheet or oven-safe dish.
- Spoon warm marinara sauce over each chicken breast.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan cheeses over chicken.
- Broil or bake chicken for 2-3 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Arrange cooked spaghetti on serving plates.
- Place cheesy chicken breasts on top of spaghetti.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
Grilled Chicken Parmesan from True Food Kitchen copycat menu can be easily adapted by substituting chicken breasts with boneless turkey cutlets or eggplant slices for a vegetarian option. If you don't have a grill or grill pan, the chicken can be cooked under the broiler or in a hot skillet to achieve a similar charred flavor. Use store-bought marinara sauce to save time, or enhance it with garlic and red pepper flakes for extra depth. When boiling spaghetti, add a pinch of salt to the water to season the pasta evenly. You can replace fresh basil with dried Italian herbs if fresh herbs are unavailable, although the flavor will be less vibrant.
Tips
Ensure chicken breasts are pounded evenly to promote uniform cooking and prevent dryness. Keep an eye on the grill temperature to avoid overcooking the chicken, which can make it tough. Use salted water when boiling spaghetti to enhance its flavor and cook it just until al dente to maintain a firm texture. When broiling the chicken with cheese, watch closely to prevent burning, as the cheese melts quickly.
Nutritions
Grilled Chicken Parmesan from True Food Kitchen provides a balanced source of protein primarily from the grilled chicken breasts, which are lean and support muscle health. The dish also contains calcium and vitamin D from melted mozzarella and parmesan cheeses, contributing to bone strength. Carbohydrates come from the al dente spaghetti, offering energy through complex carbs and fiber depending on the pasta type. Your meal is enriched with antioxidants and vitamins from fresh basil and marinara sauce, which includes tomatoes high in lycopene.
Storage
Store leftover Grilled Chicken Parmesan in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth. Separate the chicken and spaghetti into different containers to preserve texture, and reheat gently in the oven or microwave until heated through. Your meal can be safely stored for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Variation or Alternatives
To vary the Grilled Chicken Parmesan, you can substitute the marinara sauce with a roasted red pepper sauce or a spicy arrabbiata sauce for a different flavor profile. Consider using provolone or fontina cheese instead of mozzarella for a creamier texture and unique taste. You might also swap spaghetti for whole wheat pasta or zucchini noodles to make the dish lighter or accommodate dietary preferences. If grilling is not an option, pan-searing the chicken followed by oven baking will yield similarly delicious results for your meal.
Allergies
Grilled Chicken Parmesan contains dairy from mozzarella and parmesan cheeses, which may trigger allergic reactions in individuals sensitive to milk proteins. The dish also includes wheat-based spaghetti, posing a risk for those with gluten allergies or celiac disease. Be cautious if you have allergies to any of these common ingredients when ordering or preparing this meal for your consumption.
Why this recipe?
The Grilled Chicken Parmesan from True Food Kitchen is popular due to its perfectly grilled, tender chicken breast topped with rich marinara sauce, melted mozzarella, and parmesan cheese, creating a balanced blend of flavors. Its fresh ingredients and health-conscious preparation appeal to those seeking a nutritious yet indulgent meal. Making a copycat version allows you to enjoy this wholesome dish at home, controlling ingredient quality and tailoring flavors to your preference. This recipe captures True Food Kitchen's essence, making it a worthy addition to your culinary repertoire.